Category: IAM RoadSmart

1. Bikers tour British Isles for life-saving ambulances

   Posted on 12:01am Monday 11th Jun 2012

   A team of eight motorcyclists from road safety charity, the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) are undertaking a sponsored tour of the British Isles in June to promote motorcycle safety and raise money for the Association of Air Ambulances. 
    
   The ride begins on Monday 18 June, Ride to Work day, from the Ace Cafe London, finishing on Sunday 24 June at the Bikefest event in Shrewsbury.
    
   Over the week-long tour, they will be visiting Christchurch, Bournemouth, Bassetts Pole, Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast.
    
   On Friday 22 June, Belfast will see a world record attempt for the most makes and models of motorcycles in a single parade. Supporters include the Quay Vipers Motorcycle Club, Adelaide Insurance Services, Days Hotel, Stena Line, Fiat and Bridgestone Tyres.
    
   IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users, but anyone that rides appreciates the enjoyment, convenience, and freedom that motorcycling brings.
    
   “Our aims are to teach riders how to continue to enjoy their riding safely, and to better educate all road users to understand the needs of the individuals they share the road with. We are delighted to be supporting the Association of Air Ambulances, and raising money for this vital cause. Tragically, riding does sometimes go wrong and the quick response service they provide is vital in saving lives.”
    
   To donate to the Association of Air Ambulances, click here.
    
   To find out more about the Around British Isles Bike Ride, click here.
    
   To sign up for the world record attempt, click here.

2. Flash floods - Advice from the IAM

   Posted on 6:57am Saturday 28th Apr 2012

   Road safety charity the IAM is offering motorists advice on driving in heavy rain, following Met Office warnings of torrential rain over the coming days.  

   IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger  said: "A suddenly very wet road surface increases the chances of slipping when braking or steering, which is a problem not just for motorists, but cyclists and motorcyclists too.  

   “When driving in wet conditions remember that stopping distances will increase, and visibility will be reduced. Drop your speed and give yourself more time to slow down.”

   In cases of severe flooding, you should reconsider making the journey at all. If it is unavoidable, and you have to drive through deep water, the IAM recommends drivers take the following precautions:

   • Drive on the highest section of the road and don't set off if a vehicle is approaching you
   • Leave time and space to avoid swamping other cars and pedestrians
   • Drive slowly and keep going once you have started – make sure you have a clear run. In a manual car, keep the revs high by "slipping the clutch" (which means the clutch is not fully engaged) all the time you are in the water
   • If you can’t see where you are going to come out of the water, such as when approaching flooding on a bend, think twice about starting to drive into it
   • In deep water never take your foot off the accelerator, as this could allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe
   • Once you're out of the water, dry the brakes before you need them. The best way is to lightly apply the brake as you drive along for a few seconds, after checking nothing is following you too closely.  

   The IAM has launched a new website, for biking advice and tips, www.bikingadvice.org.uk with traffic updates, touring advice by country and all you need to know about events and local groups.

   Tips cover riding with pillions, in groups and night riding. There’s also a videos page and you can upload your touring photos and stories - get involved at www.betterbiking.org.uk

3. Sorry mate, I didn’t see you

   Posted on 12:01am Monday 16th Apr 2012

   Sixty-nine per cent of motorcyclists were cut-up by another road user who didn’t look properly, in the last six months, according to the IAM’s latest poll. Of those who experienced near misses, 86 per cent were forced to take evasive action.
    
   These incidents are known as SMIDSYs – ‘sorry mate I didn’t see you’ – which is often the reaction of the perpetrator when these events result in accidents. Failure to look is a contributory factor in 29 per cent of serious collisions and 36 per cent of slight accidents according to IAM research.1

   
    • Seventy-three per cent of motorcyclists cited the driver not paying enough attention as one of the main factors for incidents of this type.
   • Forty-three per cent of motorcyclists were involved in a near miss up to two times.
   • Fifty-six per cent of motorcyclists had experienced a near miss with a cyclist.
    
   Eighty-three per cent of drivers said that these incidents would decrease by improving drivers’ awareness of motorcyclists.
    
   IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “SMIDSY moments are happening far too often, and very few people are prepared to take responsibility for their part in them. It’s always someone else’s fault. All road users need to be more aware of who they are sharing the road with, and the risks they present.
    
   “Other road users’ intentions can often be guessed by their body language and position on the road, so ride defensively, and leave room so that if somebody does do something unexpected, you have time to deal with it.”
    
   The IAM suggests top tips for bikers for sharing the road:

   • Always assume that other road users may not have seen you
   • When travelling in a straight line position yourself where a car driver would be sitting. This is where other road users will be looking
   • Give drivers time to realise you’re there. Don’t arrive so fast you startle the driver
   • Always leave plenty of space between yourself and other traffic
   • Look well ahead to avoid needing to make sudden changes in direction for potholes
   • Be seen. Big blocks of bright colour are better than broken up or patterned clothing, which effectively camouflages you. And always make sure you have your headlight on.

   www.iam.org.uk

4. Getting back on the road

   Posted on 12:01am Friday 30th Mar 2012

   IAM’s head of riding standards and advanced biker, Peter Rodger, is advising on getting back on the road after the winter.

   • Check your bike’s fluid levels, brakes, lights, horn and coolant to make sure they’re all in good working order.
   • Try starting your bike to check if the battery needs recharging.
   • Check that the tyres have sufficient tread, no obvious damage, and are inflated to the right pressure. If you have taken any part of the bike apart over the winter check it is properly back together and that the nuts are all tightened appropriately.
   • When you’ve given it the once over, switch on the engine and let your bike warm up before you go out on a ride.
   • If you’re feeling particularly rusty, get on your motorcycle in a car park before taking it out on the road. The first ride should be about settling in gently – you need to get used to riding again.
   • Gain confidence by having a few short, simple rides. Consider it a warm up for you and the bike; you've had time away, and both need to warm up again.
   • Make sure your leathers and helmet are in good nick– don’t be tempted to take that first ride in street gear because you’re not planning on being out for long. 
    
   Rodger said: “It’s that time of the year when many riders are taking their bikes out from winter storage. Check the bike before you begin this season’s rides, and make sure the rider is up to it as well.”

   www.iam.org.uk

5. Riding with pillions

   Posted on 8:24am Monday 5th Mar 2012

   IAM’s head of riding standards, Peter Rodger, is advising on riding with pillions.

   • Before carrying a pillion, adjust your tyre pressure and suspension.
   • Make sure that your passenger has a suitable helmet and clothing.
   • Arrange a signal so that they can tell you if they’re uncomfortable.
   • If they haven’t ridden on the back of a motorcycle before, it is a good idea to give them advice of what they could expect and what you expect from them.
   • Carrying a pillion will affect your acceleration, balance and braking. Allow extra time in judging gaps and overtaking.
   • The extra weight on the bike will affect the speed and way it manoeuvres.   Rodger said: “Riding with a passenger takes getting used to. Take precautions and remember your passenger is your responsibility.”

   www.iam.org.uk